The National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG) is mobilising for at least Rwf5.5 billion to scan more than 60 million pages of Gacaca court documents. Appearing before the senatorial Committee on Political Affairs and Good Governance, last week, Dr Jean Damascene Bizimana, the executive secretary of the commission, told senators that at least 63 million pages are set to be scanned in less than two years. The senators had earlier raised concerns over archiving of genocide files, mostly Gacaca verdicts and other important files, and the commission was supposed to update its progress. According to Bizimana, the project was to take six years but was revised down to two years, despite some financial constraints and shortage of equipment. So far, only two scanners have been procured with another on its way and more than 100 workers have been hired. The digitisation process involves scanning of files which are later stored in facilities at the Rwanda National Police; however, a lot still needs to be done to improve the capacity of the machines which cannot function beyond six hours a day. The government, through the commission, has contracted a British company Aegis Trust to execute the scanning on their behalf, while Rwanda National Police ensures the safety of the documents. Aegis Trust, which has also been working with the government in the management of memorial sites is also tasked, among others, with helping in conducting research on the Genocide and advise decision makers. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
